Continuing the celebrating of its 250th anniversary, Arnold & Son has unveiled the new Double Tourbillon Escapement Dual Time Watch. Powered by in-house calibre A&S8513, the Dual TIme (as we'll call it from here on out) features two symmetrical tourbillons, dual time zone dials, and the mix of modern and traditional finishing that we’ve come to expect from the manufacture. Like the recently launched Royal TEC1, the Double Tourbillon Escapement Dual Time reflects Arnold & Son's continued push for both aesthetic and technical merit in a crowded high-end marketplace.

With the exception of the brand insignia, nearly everything about this watch is symmetrical: from the exposed tourbillons at 3 and 9 o’clock to the low-profile crowns at 2 and 8. Set in a 43.5mm 18k red gold case, the movement baseplate is visible on the face of the watch with Côtes de Genève decoration. On top of the plate are the two slightly domed timekeeping dials, both crafted in white enamel with blued steel arrow hands.

The dial at 12 o’clock is intended for local time while the dial at 6 can be set to an alternate time zone, notably down to the minute. Each time zone has its own setting mechanism, with entirely separate gear trains and tourbillons. To further delineate between the two, the local time zone dial features Roman numerals whereas the dial at 6 o’clock uses Arabic numerals. The two-dial display is a little reminiscent of the MB&F LM1, though the finishing, details, and general style of the watch are very different.

The new in-house calibre A&S8513 features a 90-hour power reserve facilitated by a manually-wound double-barrel system. Like other Arnold & Son Watches, the movement is highly finished, with hand-chamfered bridges, circular satin-finished wheels, and blued screws polished to a mirror finish. Naturally, all of this is visible through a sapphire case back. The two tourbillons visible on the dial-side receive complementary finishing with mirror-polished cages and hand-chamfered edges, all anchored by two 18k red gold bridges.

Double Tourbillon Escapement Dual Time is limited to only 28 pieces and officially launches at Baselworld 2014. The list price is $210,000. For more information, visit Arnold & Son online.

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Friday March 3, 2012

HODINKEE is one of the most widely read wristwatch publications in the world. Launched in 2008 by then 25-year-old Benjamin Clymer, the site quickly gained notoriety for earnest looks at some of the industry’s most interesting, and occasionally forgotten timepieces.